Chicago's breweries, taprooms and brewpubs are pumping out more beer than ever, in about every style you could want.

The Weight pale ale at Piece Brewery and Pizzera

One of the most decorated breweries in Chicago stands in the shadow of a kitchen pumping out fantastic pizza, but Piece's beer is as good as anywhere. Brewer Jonathan Cutler's pale ales are particular standouts, and routinely flawless. It's hard to pick one, but The Weight is a highlight for its exquisite fruity-bitter balance. Brewpub only, 1927 W. North Ave.

Bridgeport's Marz Brewing seems to have 6,000 beers on shelves, but in fact it's only about 5,500. (I counted.) One of the standouts is Jungle Boogie, a pale wheat ale that boasts not only a top-notch name, but also fun in a bottle: This hoppy wheat ale with rooibos tea always reminds me of Juicy Fruit gum. In a good way.

James C. Svehla / Chicago Tribune

The Lu is on tap at Solemn Oath Brewery in Naperville.

The Lu is on tap at Solemn Oath Brewery in Naperville.

(James C. Svehla / Chicago Tribune)

Lu kolsch-style ale at Solemn Oath Brewery

Kolsch is an underappreciated style, and could convert many Bud Light drinkers to the world of craft: lean, crisp, refreshing, lightly fruity and approachable. New to 12-ounce cans and distributed widely, Lu, which won a bronze medal at the 2016 Great American Beer Festival, is one to watch for.

Abel Uribe / Chicago Tribune

Two Brothers Domaine Dupage French Country Ale

Two Brothers Domaine Dupage French Country Ale

(Abel Uribe / Chicago Tribune)

Domaine DuPage from Two Brothers Artisan Brewing

One of the few local examples, or examples anywhere, of biere de garde, a French-style beer, Domaine DuPage excels in its malt-forward balance and simple elegance. Ideal beside nearly any meal.

Kristan Lieb / Chicago Tribune

The award-winning Defender at Haymarket Pub & Brewery.

The award-winning Defender at Haymarket Pub & Brewery.

(Kristan Lieb / Chicago Tribune)

The Defender at Haymarket Pub & Brewery

Only released four times a year, this stout has won nine medals at the nation's top competitions — World Beer Cup and Great American Beer Festival — in recent years. The Defender is a hop-forward stout that mingles notes of coffee, dark chocolate, raspberry and the curveball, bitter pine. A delicate balancing act pulled off brilliantly. Brewpub only, 737 W. Randolph St.

Kristan Lieb / Chicago Tribune

Co-owner Bill Wesselink fills a growler in Dovetail Brewery's taproom, which is connected to the brewery.

Co-owner Bill Wesselink fills a growler in Dovetail Brewery's taproom, which is connected to the brewery.

(Kristan Lieb / Chicago Tribune)

Pilsner at Dovetail Brewery

Pilsners are a slow-growing craft rage, but there's no finer example than Dovetail's, which boasts a soft cereal-like grain note balanced against malt that veers into fresh honey terrain.

Production of Goose Island's bigger-volume beers has been shipped off to massive Anheuser-Busch InBev plants, but the best of the best, like Matilda Belgian pale ale, are still made in Chicago. Due in part to the Brettanomyces yeast within, this beer can be a little finicky, but when done right, this earthy, fruity, leathery beer is as complex, fascinating and rewarding as beer gets.

Meredith Anderson

Double Daisy Cutter is an imperial version of Half Acre's flagship pale ale.

Double Daisy Cutter is an imperial version of Half Acre's flagship pale ale.

(Meredith Anderson)

Double Daisy Cutter from Half Acre Beer Co.

Among many quality hoppy beers, the annual release of Double Daisy Cutter — an imperial version of the brewery's flagship pale ale — is indulgent fruity citrus perfection.

E. Jason Wambsgans / Chicago Tribune

Metropolitan Brewing Afterburner: the king of the local marzen. Incredible depth and body. Toasty, with a long bready finish. An ideal accompaniment to a meal.

Metropolitan Brewing Afterburner: the king of the local marzen. Incredible depth and body. Toasty, with a long bready finish. An ideal accompaniment to a meal.

(E. Jason Wambsgans / Chicago Tribune)

Afterburner from Metropolitan Brewing

An annual fall treat — make that late summer — Afterburner is fairly universally agreed to be the best of the local Oktoberfest beers, and for good reason: the phenomenal depth and body is accompanied by a long, toasty bready finish.

James C. Svehla / Chicago Tribune

Eleanor beer at the Pollyanna Brewing in Lemont Ill.

Eleanor beer at the Pollyanna Brewing in Lemont Ill.

(James C. Svehla / Chicago Tribune)

Eleanor Porter from Pollyanna Brewing Co.

A fairly classic porter with rich notes of coffee, chocolate and a little tobacco. Available only on draft during summer, but will return in 12-ounce bottles in fall.

All beers have distribution in stores and/or bars in Chicago, unless otherwise stated.